Australia may be home to the world’s largest lithium-ion battery, at South Australia’s Hornsdale Power Reserve, but it’s the smaller models that have prompted a reminder about how to safely handle, use and store them. Consumer Protection and WA’s electrical safety regulator, Building and Energy, are aware of two incidents in WA this year in which e-cigarette batteries have ignited in the user’s...

Wageline has published two new WA award summaries for the: Retail Pharmacists Award ; and Photographic Industry Award The Retail Pharmacists Award covers employees working in retail pharmacies and/or dispensaries as pharmacists, pharmacist managers, pharmacists-in-charge, trainee pharmacists (interns) and pharmacy students in the state industrial relations system. The Photographic Industry Award...

Long service leave is a paid leave entitlement for employees who have continuous employment with one and the same employer for a specified period. The majority of private sector Western Australian businesses and employees in both the state and national industrial relations systems are covered by the state Long Service Leave Act 1958. Detailed information is available on the Long service leave –...

Sales rep failed to act honestly and fairly in land sale at Henderson Benjamin Widdowson breached the real estate industry Code of Conduct Financial interest in the sale not disclosed to all parties A Perth real estate sales representative has been reprimanded and disqualified from holding a registration for 12 months by the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) for his dishonest involvement during...

With Commissioner for Consumer Protection Lanie Chopping Visiting a farm or a rural property during school holidays can be an exciting experience for many children, but it is important parents are aware of the dangers posed by quad bikes. This popular piece of farm equipment can readily roll over and cause serious injury or death to operators, particularly when used on uneven ground, at high...

The average price of regular unleaded petrol (ULP) is set to increase by over 31 cents per litre (cpl) to 158 cpl tomorrow, so FuelWatch is encouraging Perth drivers, if they can, to fill up today to save money. FuelWatch advises that on Wednesday 7 April 2021, most branded retailers are hiking their ULP price: 7-Eleven, Caltex Woolworths and Coles Express hiking by 42-46 cpl to 169.9 cpl; Puma...

The customer lodged a complaint with Consumer Protection following stressful dealings with a roller shutter salesperson The contract did not follow Australian Consumer Law regulations around transparent and clear termination rights Two infringements totalling $13,200 were issued A Perth roller shutter trader has received two infringements totalling more than $13,000 after it was found to have...

As the curtains close on Western Australia’s COVID-19 emergency period, we begin transitioning back to normal tenancy laws in which there is no longer a moratorium on rent increases and some evictions. While everybody adjusts to the changes, Consumer Protection has been fielding enquiries from landlords and tenants wondering about their rights and responsibilities when it comes to ending a...

Landlords and tenants encouraged to act and negotiate in good faith Tenancies must be terminated lawfully Tenants urged to report unlawful evictions Tenants and landlords are encouraged to contact Consumer Protection for advice about rental rights and responsibilities, particularly in relation to termination notices and evictions. After COVID-19 emergency rental laws ended 28 March 2021 and with...

Australia’s vaccine roll-out will hopefully spell the beginning of the end of the coronavirus crisis, but we can’t afford to become complacent when it comes to avoiding COVID-19 related scams. Scams where COVID-19 was mentioned have so far stolen $8.4 million from Australians since the start of the pandemic, while 20 victims in Western Australia have reported losing almost $144,000 to WA ScamNet...

The average price of regular unleaded petrol (ULP) is set to increase by over 32 cents per litre (cpl) to 158.5 cpl tomorrow, so FuelWatch is encouraging Perth drivers, if they can, to fill up today to save money. FuelWatch advises that on Wednesday 24 March 2021, most branded retailers are hiking their ULP price: 7-Eleven, BP and Coles Express hiking by 42-46 cpl to 169.9 cpl; Caltex Woolworths...

The Building Services Board has cautioned a local government building surveyor for failing to ensure that adequate information was included in the certification of work at a Bicton property. The Board found that Modesto Giancaspro (BSP190) was negligent or incompetent while carrying out building surveying work when he signed a certificate of building compliance (CBC) issued by the City of...